Naughty Dogis a studio known for its stunning single-player titles that are usually linear and packed with dramatic narratives and cinematic set pieces. However, the studio has also had luck in the multiplayer realm. This was seen most prominently withThe Last of Us Factionswhich became a popular multiplayer counterpart to the single-player game. With new evidence that Naughty Dog will be pursuing multiplayer games more aggressively than ever, it appears that the studio could focus less on single-player titles in the future. There are benefits and downsides to this, though it could ultimately harm the studio in the long run.
ThoughNaughty Doghas excelled in the multiplayer space, this success has come on the back of the popularity of its single-player franchises. Neglecting the single-player market may cripple the studio’s multiplayer presence as well. Though studios should be encouraged to experiment and veer away from their comfort zone, this shouldn’t come at the cost of forgetting their core elements.
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Naughty Dog and Multiplayer Games
A recent job listing from Naughty Dog seeks a QA tester, which has drawn attention because it mentions that the role will require the employee to handle “quality assurance/development support with a focus on…multiplayer titles.” The mention of multiplayer titles in the plural form suggests that Naughty Dog may have more than one multiplayer game in the works. This could be a typo or intentional ambiguity, though it could also be an indication of the studio’s future.
Currently, Naughty Dog is working on astandaloneThe Last of Usmultiplayer game, and the sneak peeks gamers have been given reveal that the game will be larger than anything the studio’s done before. If executed correctly, it could be the next multiplayer hit, drawing millions of gamers. However, this shouldn’t pull the studio away from its single-player titles, as it relies on them for various reasons.
Single-Player Titles Make Franchises Popular
The anticipation and excitement behind the standaloneThe Last of Usmultiplayer are extremely high, and this is due to the popularity ofThe Last of Usfranchise. Since the first game was released in 2013, many have fallen in love withJoel and Ellie’s epic journey across the USAas they attempt to save humanity while preserving themselves. The game birthed a sequel, a highly successful television series, and the first multiplayer mode garnered a loyal and active player base. All this success was made possible by the single-player game that was able to tell a gripping story through its carefully orchestrated linear narrative.
A shift to multiplayer titles could be dangerous for Naughty Dog, as the success of its multiplayer titles thus far has relied on the popularity offranchises likeThe Last of UsandUncharted. Drifting away from these single-player experiences could lead to games that are still technical marvels but fail to inspire the same amount of emotional connection fans have with current titles. While it is certainly possible for multiplayer games to tell epic stories, it is arguable whether they can do it as well as single-player titles.
Naughty Dog is a secretive studio, and it is difficult to predict what it will do before it does it. Although the standaloneThe Last of Usmultiplayer has been confirmed, what comes after that is still a big mystery. Hopefully, there are plenty ofsingle-player games likeThe Last of Us 3sprinkled among the multiplayer games it appearsNaughty Dogis gearing up to create.
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